Aim: This job interview questions exercise is to help you to improve your performance in interviews.
Instructions: Read the interview questions and click on the answer that you think is best. You will then see some feedback on your answer. You can click on more than one answer to see the feedback for each answer.
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Question 1:
Explain to us, as best you can, why you have applied for a position in our company.
Question 2:
Why do you think you might like to work for our company?
Question 3:
What do you know about our company?
Question 4:
What do you know about the type of work we expect from you?
Question 5:
In what way do you feel our company will help you to use your abilities fully?
Question 6:
Have you any experience of this type of work?
Question 7:
What do you think determines an employees' progress in a company such as ours?
Question 8:
What qualities do you think the job requires?
Question 9:
What qualities would you expect of persons working as a team?
Question 10:
We have several applicants for this position. Why do you think you are the person we
should choose?
Question 11:
How are your studies at the Polytechnic University related to this job?
Question 12:
Why did you choose your course as your field of study?
Question 13:
What projects have you worked on?
Question 14:
Could you tell us something about yourself?
Question 15:
I see you have done some voluntary work. What did you learn from that?
Question 16:
What do you do in your spare time?
Question 17:
How do you see your career developing?
Question 18:
Do you have any particular strengths or weaknesses?
Question 19:
What exactly do you know about dealing with subordinates who create a bad atmosphere in
your team?
Question 20:
What were the benefits of your summer work?
hits since 22 July 2001.
Feedback for Question 1, Choice 'a': "I am very
interested in the field your company is in."
Yes.
It is good to show that you are well-motivated about the work.
Grammar points:
The prepositions after 'interested' are 'in' or 'by'; e.g. "I'm interested in
engineering", or "I'm interested by the problems of building tall buildings on
unstable reclaimed land." "Interested in" is the most common.
"Interested by" is often used for problems, theories or concepts.
Before 'field' use the article 'the'; e.g. "the accounting field" or "the
engineering field".
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Feedback for Question 1, Choice 'b': "I need the
money."
No.
Although this may be true, you should not give this as your only reason.
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Feedback for Question 1, Choice 'c': "Your company has a
very good reputation."
Not bad.
However, many companies have good reputations, and you should give an answer that shows a
link between your motivation to work in the field and the company.
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Feedback for Question 1, Choice 'd': "Yours is the only
company that has offered me an interview."
No.
Even if this is true, don't say it because it is a negative point about you.
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Feedback for Question 2, Choice 'a': "Good pay."
No.
Choose some attractive features about the company to display your knowledge of the
company, and link your abilities and qualities to the company and the job.
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Feedback for Question 2, Choice 'b': "Famous."
No.
Choose some attractive features about the company to display your knowledge of the
company, and link your abilities and qualities to the company and the job.
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Feedback for Question 2, Choice 'c': "Good
training."
OK.
This answer shows that you are motivated to improve your skills, but some employers might
worry that you will do the training, then leave the company.
Grammar points:
It is better to use longer sentences; e.g. "Your company has a good reputation for
training.", because the interviewers might think that your English is not good enough
to express more complex ideas.
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Feedback for Question 2, Choice 'd': "I've always wanted
to work in this field, and your company is one of the leaders in this field."
O.K.
A better answer is to choose some attractive features about the company to display your
knowledge of the company, and link your abilities and qualities to the company and the
job.
Grammar points:
In the expression, "One of the (things)," the article should be 'the', and the
following noun or noun phrase is usually plural; e.g. "One of the
best companies in the field.", "One of the
leading organisations in Hong Kong."
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Feedback for Question 2, Choice 'e': "I've wanted to work
for you since your representative gave a career talk on campus, and gave me a very good
image of your organisation."
O.K.
A better answer is to choose some attractive features about the company to display your
knowledge of the company, and link your abilities and qualities to the company and the
job.
Grammar points:
Use the present perfect tense to talk about things that started in the past and have
continued until the present, such as the desire to work for the company in the above
example.
Use the past tense to talk about on-campus recruitment events, because they have finished.
Feedback for Question 3, Choice 'a': "Famous."
No.
You should know more than this. Read some background information about the company, for
example the Annual Report.
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Feedback for Question 3, Choice 'b': "Your annual report
describes you as..."
O.K.
It's good to show that you have some background information about the company.
Grammar points:
Notice the use of the present simple tense to talk about this year's annual report.
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Feedback for Question 3, Choice 'c': "My friends in the
field say that your company is..."
Yes.
It's good to show that you have contacts in the field. You should also have read some
background information on the company, for example, the Annual Report.
Grammar points:
Notice the use of the present simple tense in "My friends say..." to imply that
their opinion is still true.
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Feedback for Question 4, Choice 'a': "What it says in the
job advertisement."
No.
You should know more than this. Read some background information about the company, for
example the Annual Report.
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Feedback for Question 4, Choice 'b': "Well at first I'd
expect to... Then later, hopefully I will be promoted and I will..."
O.K.
You should show a realistic knowledge of the job, and then show a little bit of ambition
and career-mindedness.
Grammar points:
In this answer "I'd expect to..." means "I would expect to...".
"Would" is correct because it shows that you are modest, and recognise that the
company may not give you the job. It can be expanded to, "If I am accepted for this
job, I would expect to...".
After "I'd expect to", use an infinitive verb."
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Feedback for Question 4, Choice 'c': "I'd expect to carry
out the functions of the post, and be creative and a good team member."
Yes.
It would be better to give examples of the functions of the post.
Grammar points:
Notice the infinitive verb, "carry out" after "I'd expect to".
Notice the verb "be" before the adjective "creative". The infinitive
is used here to match the infinitive verb after "I'd expect to". Use different
forms of the verb 'to be' in different tenses; e.g. "He is well-educated." or
"He wasn't happy this morning."
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Feedback for Question 5, Choice 'a': "I think I will be
able to use my inter-personal skills as a team member..."
O.K.
However, inter-personal skills may not be the most important skills for this job. Select
what you think is the most important ability.
Grammar points:
The question uses "will", so it's O.K. to use "will" in the answer.
Remember that the future tense of 'can' is 'will be able to' plus an infinitive verb such
as "use".
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Feedback for Question 5, Choice 'b': "I think I will be
able to put into practice the skills I learned at University."
O.K.
However, you should relate the skills you learned at university to the skills needed for
this job, in order of importance.
Grammar points:
The question uses "will", so it's O.K. to use "will" in the answer.
Remember that the future tense of 'can' is 'will be able to' plus an infinitive verb such
as "put".
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Feedback for Question 5, Choice 'c': "I'm afraid I'm not
clear on what exactly your company offers its employees in this area."
Could be better.
It's good to ask questions if you don't understand something, as it shows that you are a
good communicator. Organisations do not want staff who pretend to understand, but don't.
These staff sometimes make expensive mistakes.
However, this is not the best answer.
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Feedback for Question 6, Choice 'a': "No."
No.
Even if you don't have any direct experience, talk about something related, such as
inter-personal skills or computer skills.
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Feedback for Question 6, Choice 'b': "Well, from my
summer working experience I have teamwork and organisational skills."
Yes.
This is a good answer if you don't have any directly-related experience.
Grammar points:
Use 'have' in front of skills; e.g. "I have organisational skills."
Use the verb 'be' in front of adjectives; e.g. "I am good at...".
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Feedback for Question 6, Choice 'c': "No, but I'm sure I
will pick up the job very quickly."
No.
Anyone can say this. If you don't have any directly-related experience talk about skills
from other working experience, such as teamwork or analytical ability. If you don't have
any working experience at all, you can talk about working in groups at university.
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Feedback for Question 7, Choice 'a': "Company politics
and relationships."
No.
Even if you know that this is true, don't say it. Talk about interpersonal and technical
skills instead.
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Feedback for Question 7, Choice 'b': "Interpersonal and
technical skills."
Yes.
For 'technical' you could substitute something more specific and related to this job; e.g.
accounting skills.
Grammar point:
As you have mentioned two types of skill, use the plural "skills".
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Feedback for Question 7, Choice 'c': "Experience."
No.
Experience is useful, but a good employee should have other abilities, and may need
further qualifications, such as professional qualifications.
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Feedback for Question 8, Choice 'a': "The qualities that
I have learned in my university career, for example..."
Yes.
You should include not only things that you learned on your course, but also things you
learned from extra-curricular activities and part-time jobs.
Grammar points:
When talking about the things you have learned at university, things that you still know
and are relevant to the job that you are applying for, use the present perfect tense; e.g.
"The qualities that I have learned..."
You can use the prepositions "in my university career"
or "during my university career".
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Feedback for Question 8, Choice 'b': "I'm not sure."
No.
You should prepare for this question and be ready to talk about the qualities that you
think the job requires, and have some example situations where you showed these qualities.
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Feedback for Question 8, Choice 'c': "The qualities that
you mentioned in the job advertisement..."
OK.
You should also be prepared to describe some example situations where you showed these
qualities.
Grammar point:
Use the past tense to refer to things written in the job advertisement; e.g. "You
said in the job advertisement that you want an independent person." "Want"
in this example is present simple tense because the company still wants that type of
person now.
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Feedback for Question 9, Choice 'a': "Co-operativness and
enthusiasm."
Yes.
You could also mention other qualities such as creativity and time-management skills. You
should also be prepared to describe some example situations where you showed these
qualities.
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Feedback for Question 9, Choice 'b': "Team work."
Not bad.
You should be more specific, team work is quite general. Useful qualities include
co-operativness, enthusiasm, creativity and time-management skills. You should also
be prepared to describe some example situations where you showed these qualities.
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Feedback for Question 9, Choice 'c': "Obedience."
No.
Although this is a useful quality, it does not show any managerial potential.
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Feedback for Question 10, Choice 'a': "I don't know the
other candidates, so I can't answer that question."
No.
This is a negative answer and contains an implicit meaning that the question was not a
good one. Even if you think that the question is stupid, don't annoy the interviewer by
showing that you think this.
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Feedback for Question 10, Choice 'b': "I have no idea,
but I'm sure I'd work hard."
No.
Anyone can work hard. You should take this opportunity to highlight how your skills,
abilities, education and experience make you suitable for the job.
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Feedback for Question 10, Choice 'c': "I have the
abilities, qualities and experience that you requested in your job advert. For
example..."
Yes.
Grammar point:
Experience is usually uncountable, and so does not become plural in the above example.
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Feedback for Question 11, Choice 'a': "Well, they
weren't really relevant, but I'm sure I can pick up the job quickly."
No.
If none of your courses are relevant, talk about other qualities that you developed, for
example teamwork and interpersonal skills used in group project work. Make sure that you
have specific examples; e.g. how you motivated your team by organising a BBQ and sports
day to encourage the other team members to get to know each other better and to work
together as a team.
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Feedback for Question 11, Choice 'b': "Several of my
courses were directly relevant to this job, for example, ... "
Yes.
First talk about courses that were directly relevant. Then, or if none are relevant, talk
about other qualities that you developed, for example teamwork and interpersonal skills
used in group project work. Make sure that you have specific examples; e.g. how you
motivated a team member by involving him or her in the decision-making process.
Grammar point:
The verb "were" in this example is past simple tense because the courses have
finished. If you are still studying courses you should use "are".
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Feedback for Question 11, Choice 'c': "In fact I want to
change my career because I'm bored with doing the things I did on my course."
No.
This may give the interviewer the impression that you get bored easily and cannot
concentrate on things. If none of your courses are relevant, talk about other qualities
that you developed, for example teamwork and interpersonal skills used in group project
work. Make sure that you have specific examples; e.g. how you motivated a weak team member
by giving him or her a number of simple tasks to build up a momentum of success.
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Feedback for Question 12, Choice 'a': "I chose the
course because it would prepare me for this field, and I believe that this field suits my
personality and strengths, for example..."
Yes.
This answer shows a careful choice of course and relates the field to your personality and
strengths.
Grammar point:
Notice the use of the past tense to refer to the time when you were choosing what course
to do, and the present tense to show that this field still suits your personality and
strengths now.
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Feedback for Question 12, Choice 'b': "It wasn't my
first choice."
No.
Even though it wasn't your first choice, it was one of your choices. You should be able to
give a reason for this, or a reason why you accepted this course. Even if you had little
or no choice of course, you can say that your liking for the subject has increased as you
have taken the course.
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Feedback for Question 12, Choice 'c': "My teacher and
career counselor recommended it. "
No.
This is not a very good answer, as it does not show your independence or decision-making
ability.
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Feedback for Question 13, Choice 'a': " I
did a final year project called..."
O.K.
You should also say what you learned from the project, both in the technical aspects and
the inter-personal ones.
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Feedback for Question 13, Choice 'b': "We did a lot of
project work. The one I remember best was called... It was the best one because..."
Yes.
You should say what you learned from the project, both in the technical aspects and the
inter-personal ones.
Grammar point:
"Remember" is present tense because you are remembering it now.
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Feedback for Question 14, Choice 'a': "I believe that I
am a well-qualified, experienced person with abilities that suit your needs, for
example..."
Yes.
Use this chance to sell yourself.
Language point:
Notice the use of "I believe..." because "I am..." is too assertive.
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Feedback for Question 14, Choice 'b': "Well, as you can
see from my resume..."
No.
There is no need to repeat what the resume says, unless you suspect that the interviewers
have not read it or don't remember it. Even if this is so, just state the information,
don't refer to the resume.
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Feedback for Question 14, Choice 'c': "I'm the perfect
employee you are looking for, you shouldn't miss this chance to employ me."
No.
This is too much. The interviewers will think that you are too proud, and will look for
reasons to disprove what you say.
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Feedback for Question 15, Choice 'a': "I learned to be
caring and compassionate, and to look after those less fortunate than myself."
If caring and compassion are qualities useful in this job, then this answer is O.K.
However, these qualities are rarely asked for in job advertisements.
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Feedback for Question 15, Choice 'b': "I learned
responsibility and leadership, for example..."
Yes.
Choose qualities that are relevant to the job that you are applying for, and be ready to
give examples.
Grammar point:
You can use "I learned" plus "to be" and an adjective; e.g. "I
learned to be responsible"; or you can also use "I learned" plus a noun;
e.g. "I learned responsibility".
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Feedback for Question 15, Choice 'c': "I learned to be a
better Christian from watching my colleagues and superiors."
This is a good answer if you are applying to a Christian organisation.
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Feedback for Question 16, Choice 'a': "I sleep, listen
to music and read books."
No.
Anyone can do these things, and this answer reveals no special qualities that would be
useful to employers, unless the employer is a music or book shop.
Grammar point:
Notice the use of the present simple tense for these activities.
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Feedback for Question 16, Choice 'b': "I enjoy cycling
and wind-surfing."
These are individual sports, they do not show any ability to work in a team.
Grammar point:
Notice the use of the '_ing' form of a verb after "I enjoy". This also applies
after "I like"; e.g. "I like playing basketball." Although you can say
"I like to play basketball", you should not say "I enjoy to play
basketball."
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Feedback for Question 16, Choice 'c': "I enjoy team
sports such as basketball and volleyball, and I am the secretary of my department's
student society."
Yes.
This answer shows that you are a person who likes to work with, lead and organise others,
and that you are interested in your subject.
Grammar point:
This example of the use of "I enjoy" is different from the one above because
there is no verb such as "like" or "play". It is correct, for example,
to say "I enjoy basketball" and "I like basketball". Only when there
is "enjoy" and another verb should the second verb have "_ing".
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Feedback for Question 17, Choice 'a': "After a few years
of gaining experience in the company and furthering my professional qualifications I'd
like to put my experience and skills to use in management."
Yes.
This answer is not over-ambitious, shows that you will not leave too soon, and that you
will develop your abilities to become a more useful employee.
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Feedback for Question 17, Choice 'b': "I aim to be
promoted within two years, lead a team, and, when I have enough experience in the
field, I will start my own company."
No.
Two years may not be a realistic aim, and you should not say that you aim to start a rival
company in the field.
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Feedback for Question 17, Choice 'c': "Well, I expect
that after a few years management will promote me when they think that I am ready."
This answer does not display any ambition or career planning.
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Feedback for Question 18, Choice 'a': "I think I'm good
at..."
This is an OK start, but the interviewer might then go on to ask again about your
weaknesses.
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Feedback for Question 18, Choice 'b': "I think I'm good
at... As for weaknesses, my Chinese typing speed isn't very good, and I'm studying to
improve it."
Yes.
Highlight the strengths that make you good for the job, and pick a weakness that is
relevant to the job, but not very important. Show that you are trying to overcome this
weakness. Other possible weakness might be that your Putonghua is only at
upper-intermediate level, or that sometimes you have trouble recognising simplified
Chinese characters. Say that you are studying to improve these abilities.
Grammar point:
After "I'm good at" you can use an "_ing" form, e.g. "I'm good at
communicating with people". You can also say "I'm good at" plus the name of
a subject; e.g. "I'm good at physics."
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Feedback for Question 18, Choice 'c': "I'm good at...
On the other hand I'm a little bit lazy."
No.
Lazy is a major weakness, don't mention it.
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Feedback for Question 18, Choice 'd': "Sometimes I'm too
hard-working and I put myself under too much pressure to make things perfect."
No.
This is not a good answer. Either this is not a problem for a company, as companies want
staff to work hard and make things perfect, or the company will reject you because you do
not have enough self-control. The interviewers may also think that you are making up a
false weakness that is not really a weakness.
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Feedback for Question 19, Choice 'a': "I would fire or
transfer that subordinate."
No.
This may not be possible, and would cost a lot of money and time.
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Feedback for Question 19, Choice 'b': "I would talk to
him or her to try to find out the problem."
Yes.
This is a good first stage. The interviewers might then ask what you would do then, so
think about this issue.
Grammar point:
Notice the use of "would" plus an infinitive verb ("talk") to show
that this is an imaginary situation.
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Feedback for Question 19, Choice 'c': "I would first
give him a verbal warning, and then go on to disciplinary procedures if necessary."
No.
This may not solve the problem, and may take a lot of time and money.
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Feedback for Question 20, Choice 'a': "Money."
No.
This answer shows that you are money-minded, and that you have not understood the other
things that you can gain from working experience.
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Feedback for Question 20, Choice 'b': "There were no
benefits, I just did a very low level job."
No.
Even if the job was very low level, you should talk about things that you learned, things
that are true in all organisations, such as working with other people to finish a job.
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Feedback for Question 20, Choice 'c': "I learned what
it's like to be an employee, how to work in a team, the procedures used by companies, and
all the little things that make life in the workplace so different from life as a
student."
Yes.
Even if there is no direct relationship between your summer job and the job that you are
applying for, it is still useful experience. Be prepared to give examples of the things
that you learned.
Language points:
Notice the use of the simple past tense to say what you learned in the summer job, because
that job has finished.
"The workplace" does not refer to one company, but is a general term for places
where people work, and it contrasts with university or school.
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Last updated: Monday, 27 August 2012
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